Come Day in Night

by Hal evans

When Sam White Jr., a white high school student, is asked to start playing drums at the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church-a predominately Black church-on Sundays, tensions begin to heighten in a Texas town that refuses to acknowledge their place in the Civil Rights era. Sam begins to question the morality of his own family's ties to the Confederacy when his Black classmates reveal their family histories. Sam's father takes him to a KKK rally to set his son straight, an act that does nothing to change Sam's stance. He then begins to speak out against the strong racial dogma apparent in his town, spurring on several attacks on himself and his friends. Meanwhile, Sam's mother remains locked in a mental asylum for reasons he does not know. Family relationships are tried, and new friendships unfold in this coming-of-age story about racial tension and doing what is right during hardship and iniquity.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2022

Reviews

[Leisa Back Porch Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Review to come.

[Lelina Durrette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic example of historical fiction! Set during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, it beautifully depicts the feelings of conflict that many experienced at the time, as old prejudices gave way to more enlightened practices and ideas. The story centers around Sam White and his love, Teary Lee, an interracial couple during a time when that was not the norm. It also gives fantastic insight on what the early days of school integration looked like, as a group of ethnically diverse teens navigate high school and their friendships. This book should be required reading today at the high school level, because it is a perfect snapshot of this important moment in history. The writing is deeply intelligent and thought-provoking, and the plot beautifully crafted. It definitely has very Romeo and Juliet vibes, but also touches on some deeply religious themes, though not in an overbearing or preachy way. There is one scene in particular near the end of the book that is eerily reminiscent of Christ's crucifixion, and it is absolutely spellbinding. This was an absolute joy to read, and I can't wait to read more from this talented author!

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Note: When I met the author, he pitched this book as "based on his experience in high school." However, this book is marketed as fiction, and so, my review is entirely based on this as fiction and is not a reflection of my thoughts on this book as it would be if it were a true memoir.)

It's a little hard to rate this one, because in some places I can see Evans has a really strong writing voice and style, and in some places the story is way too messy to make sense. Removing Sam Sr. and that whole subplot would have fixed a good most of the issues I had with the book. (Plus, a kind, loving father racist is a lot more interesting and compelling story-wise than a mean and abusive father racist.)

The book also started at a point that felt too far into the story, like I wanted to see how Sam and Teary Lee developed, but this book just starts assuming I'll accept that it is and go with it. And for what the book was wanting to be, I think showing that at the beginning would have been more effective.

But hey, it's not my book. And ultimately I think the author is skilled, and I'd take a read if he wrote any other novels.

[Devoreangmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Texas in the spring and summer of 1968 in the Civil Rights Movement, Sam White, a white boy in high school and his school mate, Teary Lee, a black girl, navigate the Civil Rights Movement in their own world, a dangerous time in their segregated town. Sam has to come to terms with his family and his convictions on several different issues and at several different levels, most stemming from the racial practices and the mindset of the time and place. Music and literature play prominent roles throughout the book, weaving together the narrative. The themes of racism, loyalty, and courage, among others, come up multiple times throughout the book. To better grasp the meaning of the book, think of the Shakespeare play "Romeo and Juliet", from which the title is derived. This is an excellent work of historical fiction.

[Debby Krans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet the author in person at a community gathering. He was entertaining with his presentation, and I bought 2 of his books. This one he presented as having incidents from his & some of his friends' childhood. The book is set in 1968 in a small Texas town. I grew up in the North, but have been in Texas for more than 40 years, and could totally relate to his storyline. It deals with intergration in the South and racism, still hard issues to address today.

[Cindy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It is filled with such emotion depicting a very unfortunate time in history The characters came to life and the story was told so well I felt like I was there watching it all unfold.